On this day when we celebrate families … here’s a reminder that “family” doesn’t always require blood ties. In The Admiral District, students from Lafayette Elementary School have been spending time with residents at Brookdale Admiral Heights, which is less than a block north, in a program called “Senior Buddies.”

(Resident Ginny Bullock with Jack Colenso and Finn Litton)

Nancy Cossette, resident-programs coordinator at Brookdale AH, shared the photos and explained, “Residents at our senior community have paired up with third-grade students from Lafayette in a 6-week curriculum project, and the results have been truly magical.”

(Resident Ken Lowthian with Kaden Malmberg)

Nancy continues, “There’s at least a 60-year age difference between them, but you wouldn’t know it. They became pals at their first meeting, so we dubbed them ‘Senior Buddies.’ Since then, they’ve been busy getting to know each other and working together on writing (with pencil and paper; no technology here!), presenting, interviewing and perhaps most importantly, conversation. Plus, songs, games and art projects.”

And: “Research has shown that intergenerational programs can benefit both age groups immeasurably. As you can see on our residents’ faces, they’ve gained friendships and enjoyed teaching moments with their 8- and 9-year-old students.” She says the project will wrap up this month, “with a final sendoff in June before school’s out. Several have already asked if they can come visit during the summer break. We’ll start again in the fall with new classes of third-graders and more eager residents.”